The Mystery Behind the Thunderous Sound: Understanding the Sonic Boom in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, on July 2, 2021, took a sudden turn when an intense thunderous sonic boom echoed through the city, leaving many curious and speculating about its origin. The Indian Air Force (IAF) revealed that the cause for this powerful sound was a test flight involving a supersonic profile. Let's delve deeper into this intriguing incident and explain how it happened.
Theories and Speculations
In the immediate aftermath of the sonic boom, various theories and speculations circulated among the residents of Bengaluru. Many dismissed it as an earthquake, attributing the loud sound to seismic activity, while others speculated it might be an atmospheric phenomenon or even due to a fighter jet. The mystery was not resolved quickly, and the city was left in suspense. However, as a plane enthusiast deeply interested in fighter aircraft, I had a hunch that the true cause was something more prosaic but equally fascinating.
The Actual Cause: A Supersonic Test Flight
Thirty minutes after the initial boom, a Sukhoi 30 MKI, one of India's elite fighter jets, re-entered HAL Airport (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) after completing its flight. The Sukhoi 30 MKI is known for its power and efficiency, and it's capable of breaking the sound barrier, which is what causes the sonic boom. Unlike the Mirage 2000, which did not take off on that day, the Sukhoi 30 MKI was the only aircraft at HAL Airport that could produce such a vivid sonic boom.
The Sonic Boom Explained
A sonic boom occurs when an aircraft moves faster than the speed of sound, creating a shock wave that travels outward in a conical shape. This wave creates a loud, thunderous noise as the sound catches up with the aircraft. The intensity of the sound depends on the air pressure, humidity, and the angle of the shock wave as it strikes the ground. In this case, the silence of the city due to lockdown amplified the impact of the sonic boom, making the sound more prominent than usual.
Regular Occurrences and Public Perception
Bengaluru has a history of experiencing sonic booms from IAF test flights. These flights are routine and part of the ongoing efforts to test and validate aircraft performance. However, the loudness of the boom was heightened due to the unusual silence of the city during the lockdown. Under normal circumstances, the day-to-day activities in the city would have muffled the sound, making it more subtle.
Authorities’ Response and Community Reaction
The authorities conducted a thorough check to ensure there was no damage associated with the explosion-like sound. They concluded that the only impact was the sonic boom, caused by the aircraft's supersonic flight. This prompt and reassuring action helped to dispel any fears about an earthquake or other natural disasters. Netizens on social media also came forward with their own explanations and theories, but the official explanation provided clarity and peace of mind to the public.
Conclusion
The sonic boom heard in Bengaluru on July 2, 2021, was not a result of an earthquake or atmospheric phenomena, but rather a perfectly understandable occurrence due to a supersonic IAF test flight using a Sukhoi 30 MKI. These test flights, while fascinating and sometimes dramatic, are a routine part of the aircraft testing process.
As a plane enthusiast, it was a thrilling moment to uncover the truth behind the mysterious boom, adding to the allure of my passion for fighter aircraft. If you're ever in Bengaluru or any other city experiencing a similar sound, now you know what to expect and where to look for the explanation.